Patient and Doctor Communication: Are You Getting Enough Information?

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) November 15, 2006 -- A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed that physicians often fail to communicate critical elements of medication use. The research team concluded that this break in communication could lead to misunderstandings about medication directions and necessity and, as a result, may lead to failure of the patient to take medications as prescribed. Given the time pressures that many physicians face, it is not surprising that many simply do not have adequate time to discuss medications at length with their patients. However, statistics show that with the increased availability of information on the internet, patients are becoming more proactive in their conversations with doctors as well as their patient care programs. With knowledge of the service but without the need for a prescription, FLAVORx is an ideal system for patients looking to enhance treatment outcomes and improve medicinal compliance.



The study was conducted among 16 family physicians, 18 internists and 11 cardiologists for a total of 185 audio-taped outpatient encounters. For new prescriptions, physicians were consistent in stating the specific medication name 74% of the time and the purpose of the medication 87% of the time. However, adverse effects were discussed for only 35% of cases and length of time to take the medication was discussed only 34% of the time. Physicians explicitly discussed the amount of medication with only 55% of patients and discussed frequency/timing of dosing only 58% of the time. Overall, the research team concluded that doctors communicate 62% of the information required for perfect patient communication when discussing medications.

Many healthcare officials find these results to be rather discouraging, noting that this lack of communication could lead to less than optimal treatment results for patients. For example, failure to discuss the adverse effects of a medication could contribute to statistics that already show that adverse effects to drugs cause an estimated 100,000 deaths and 1.5 million hospitalizations each year. Before major changes in communication occur on the healthcare side, patients can take charge of their treatment programs by becoming more involved in researching their medications, uses and understanding the importance of adhering to drug regimens. This not only encourages patient-physician conversations, but also educates patients as to how to make the most of their treatment programs.

Compliance with a medication regimen is crucial to recovery outcomes. Failure to take medications as prescribed by a physician, at the right times and in the right quantities can lead to persistent symptoms, deterioration of health, need for additional doctor or hospital visits, increases in healthcare costs and an increased potential for bacterial resistance.

One of the major road blocks to compliance in children is taste and overall palatability. Bitter-tasting and foul-smelling medications are particularly difficult to swallow, especially for the sensitive taste buds of a young child. Studies show that the addition of a safe and effective flavoring, designed specifically for medications, to a child's prescription or over-the-counter medicine can improve compliance in children from 53% to over 90%.

By understanding the impact flavoring has on increasing compliance and quality of life, patients themselves can play an active role in guaranteeing the success of their treatment programs. Awareness of the availability of systems such as FLAVORx is just a small step toward bridging the gap in patient/physician communication.

About FLAVORx
FLAVORx is a pharmaceutical flavoring system used by pharmacists and veterinarians nationwide to improve the palatability of liquid over-the-counter and prescription medications. To date, FLAVORx has flavored over 40 million prescriptions without any incidence of allergy, adverse reaction or changes in efficacy. FLAVORx flavors are non-allergenic, dye-free, sugar-free, phosphate-free and alcohol-free, making them safe for all patients. With over 42 flavors ranging from Bubblegum and Watermelon to Chocolate Silk Pie and Peaches 'n Cream, FLAVORx is sure to please any taste bud whether it's a child or an adult. In addition, 16 animal-inspired flavors such as Crispy Bacon and Salmon Steak help medications go down a little easier for FLAVORx's veterinary friends as well.

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